27551Report on a Particular Statement of the Warrants Issued by the Late Superintendent of Finance, and by the Board of … (Hamilton Papers)
[To the Speaker of the House of Representatives] The Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the order of the House of the 23d Sept. 1789, respectfully submits the settlement therein required, together with one of the whole anticipation on the taxes made by the late superintendant of Finance, at the time of resigning his office; on which a balance appears due of 93,463 20/90ths. dollars....
27552Enclosure: Statements, [24 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Dol. 90ths. Dol. 90ths. On William Whipple, receiver for the state of New-Hampshire For an order in favor of M. G. Sullivan, dated 24th Jan. 1784, 1,300 Ditto Brig. Gen. Moses Hazen, dated 24th Jan. 1784, 2,887 72 Do. Capt. Olive, dated 6th March, 1784, 406 26 Do. Capt. Philip Leibert, do. 105 17 Do. Lieut. Germaine Dienne, do. 85 Do. Capt. Anthony Selin, 8th do. 219 5 5,003 30 On...
27553To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 25 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
From a great variety of characters who have made a tender of their services for suitable Offices , I have selected the following. If Mr. Jay & you will take the further trouble of running them over to see if among them there can be found one, who, under all circumstances is more eligable for the Post Office than Col O I shall be obliged to you both for your opinion thereon by Eleven ‘Oclock....
27554From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 25 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, September 25, 1789. On October 1, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “Your Favor of the 25th Ult was received on the 29.” Letter not found. ]
27555To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 26 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, September 26, 1789. Discusses aids to navigation in Delaware Bay and River. Suggests appointment of a superintendent for the entire Delaware district. Mentions a pending bill in Pennsylvania legislature which would cede to United States all state-owned navigational aids in Delaware River. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States,...
27556From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Harison, [26 September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
Taking it for granted that you will be appointed Atty General of the district I request your opinion as to the Bond required to be taken by the Collectors respecting the certificate of Registry of Vessels. Can it be taken directly to “The United States of America” or must it be in the name of the Collector? Will any bond to the United States of America be valid? The Question arises on the act...
27557To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 26 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New London, Connecticut, September 26, 1789. On November 17, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Huntington : “in respect to the Question referred to in Your Letter of the 26th of September.” Letter not found. ] Huntington was collector of customs at New London, Connecticut.
27558Treasury Department Circular to the Governors of the States, 26 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
In obedience to an order of the House of Representatives of the 21st. Instant (Copy of which I have the honor to enclose) it becomes my duty to request your Excellency to procure and transmit to this Office the Documents and Information therein required. As the next Session of the Legislature will be on the first monday of January ensuing, it is greatly to be wished that the whole of the above...
27559From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
It may happen that the Treasurer will draw upon you for the Compensation to the Senators and Representatives of New Hampshire as well as those of your State. The direction given to you with respect to the latter, is to extend to the former. I am Sir Your obedient Servant L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1790–1810, Vol. 2, National Archives. Samuel...
27560To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 30 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Least my brother should have returned I take the liberty of asking your safe delivery of the two lets. enclosed & any reply which may be given to you for me. At the same time let me present my hearty gratulations on the proper honor you have received from our country. I anticipate good to the public & new lustre to my friend notwithstanding the obstinate difficultys & embarrassments which...
27561To Alexander Hamilton from Richard Harison, [September 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
The Subject which you have mentioned was in a great Measure new to me. However I cannot hesitate as to the Validity of a Bond given to the United States, the People of which I think form one great Body politic for all the important Purposes of Government. The Constitution speaks of “Controversies to which the United States Shall be a Party” as forming a Branch of the Judicial Power; and I can...
27562To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 1 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 1, 1789. “In conformity to what I esteem your instructions, I yesterday paid the Bank of No America Thirteen Thousand Dollars.…” LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia.
27563Promissory Note from William Grayson, 1 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Thirty days after date I promise to pay to Alexander Hamilton Esqr. or order the sum of two hundred dollars specie value recieved. ADS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Grayson, a prominent Antifederalist and United States Senator from Virginia, died in March, 1790.
27564To Alexander Hamilton from Beverley Randolph, [1–28] October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 26th. of September, inclosing several Resolutions of the Congress of the United States. The amount of the public debt of this state can be furnished immediately, but I conceive this would be incomplete unless accompanied by a statement of the funds provided for the discharge of it. This Statement cannot now be prepared as the...
27565Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 1 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The United States in Congress having by their Act of the 7th. of August last Ordained “That all expences for the necessary support and maintenance of Light-houses, Beacons, Buoys &ca. within any Port or Harbour of the United States, should after the 15th. of August last, be defrayed out of the Treasury of the United States”; You will be pleased to transmit forthwith to this Office, as...
27566To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Willing, 1 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Favor of the 25th Ult was received on the 29 and has this day been laid before the Directors, as well as your Official Confirmation of the Agreement made with your Assistant Mr. Duer on the 17th of September respecting the Loan of 50,000 drs. Your Open Letter to our Collector was delivered to him directly and he has in consequence thereof, and in Conformity of the third Article in our...
27567From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Clay, 2 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 2, 1789. On December 30, 1789 , Clay wrote to Hamilton: “I received your very obliging favour of the 2d Octr.” Letter not found. ] Clay was a Savannah merchant and planter who had served as paymaster general of the Continental Army in the Southern Department.
27568Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 2 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
As in the first establishiment of Revenue systems, imperfections and inconveniencies will naturally present themselves in practice, which could not have been foreseen in their formation; it is of the greatest moment, that the best information should be collected for the use of the Government as to the operation of those, which may have been adopted. To the obtaining this information, as it...
27569To Alexander Hamilton from Nicholas Cruger, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York ] October 3, 1789. “Most sincerely do I Congratulate you on your Late appointment. I had Promis’d Mr. Harrison my Law business when ever you Declin’d it. I must therefore begg you will send me … [various] Papers [in your possession] which I mean to Put into his hands.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Cruger was a member of a prominent merchant family of New York City...
27570From Alexander Hamilton to John Davidson, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, October 3, 1789. Acknowledges receipt of Davidson’s “letter of the 24th of last month.” Sends directions for filing of surety bond. States that privileges to ships of the United States are to be extended to Rhode Island and North Carolina vessels until January 15, 1790. Copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to...
27571Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is the copy of an Act for amending the “Act for registering and Clearing Vessels, regulating the Coasting Trade, and for other purposes,” which I transmit you for your Government. I am Sir Your humble servt. LS , to Charles Lee, Charles Lee Papers, Library of Congress; LS , to John Scott, Harvard College Library; LS , to William Webb, Princeton University Library; L[S] , to Otho...
27572From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
From some returns which have already come to me I am led to fear that smuggling has already began in some parts of our eastern extremity. I have under consideration the business of establishing Guard boats, and will be much obliged to you for you[r] ideas on this subject—the usefulness of the thing, the kind of boats the plan upon which they ought to be established and the probable expence....
27573To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 5 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 5, 1789. On April 29, 1790, Allibone wrote to Hamilton : “I did make mention of it in a letter of mine dated October 5th last.” Letter not found. ]
27574From Alexander Hamilton to John Rice, 5 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 20th of September has duly come to hand. In regard to the enquiry you make, I am of opinion that the Law does not intend to allow a Vessel to proceed from one District to another, without paying or securing the Duties in the first; except when originally bound to another, and obliged from necessity to put into the Port at which she arrives as provided for in the twelvth...
27575Treasury Department Circular to the Wardens of the Ports, 5 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
If any arrangement has been made at the Port where you reside for the support Maintenance and repairs of Light-houses, Beacons, Buoys &c. under your direction; you will be pleased to continue the charge and superintendence of the same in the usual manner, ’till you receive further Instructions from me on this subject, taking care that your expenditures for those objects be conducted with...
27576To Alexander Hamilton from Sharp Delany, 6 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 6, 1789. Discusses maintenance and improvement of facilities for aiding navigation in the port of Philadelphia. Recommends that William Allibone be appointed superintendent. LS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives; LC , Bureau of Customs, Philadelphia. This letter is in reply to “Treasury Department Circular...
27577From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, 6 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have seen with a mixture of Pleasure and apprehension the Progress of the events which have lately taken Place in your Country. As a friend to mankind and to liberty I rejoice in the efforts which you are making to establish it while I fear much for the final success of the attempts, for the fate of those I esteem who are engaged in it, and for the danger in case of success of innovations...
27578Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 6 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have reason to know, that some of the Collectors have conceived themselves authorised to make ye discount allowed by Law for prompt payment, after Bonds were given for securing the Duties. This is not in my opinion, the true construction of the Act. You will therefore under such circumstances avoid making the above discount. I am Sir Your Obedient Servant LS , to Jedediah Huntington, MS...
27579From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Willing, 6 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 6, 1789. On October 13, 1789, Willing wrote to Hamilton : “We received your favor of the 6th inst.” Letter not found. ]
27580From Alexander Hamilton to Comte de Moustier, 7–8 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 7–8, 1789 In a letter to the Comte de Montmorin on October 30, 1789, Louis G. Otto wrote: “Mr hamilton, secretaire du Tresor, avoit remis confidentiellement à M. le Cte. de Moustier une notte pour l’informer que l’objet principal de la prochaine session du Congrès seroit l’arrangement des finances et pour le sonder si sa Majesté etoit disposée à donner aux Americains une...
27581To Alexander Hamilton from Comte de Moustier, 7–8 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 7–8, 1789. In a letter to the Comte de Montmorin on October 30, 1789, Louis G. Otto wrote: “le Cte. de Moustier a repondu [to Hamilton] ‘qu’il pensoit que si cette demande etoit faite officiellement, elle pourroit etre accueillie favorablement et qu’il se flattoit de pouvoir aussitôt après son arrivée en procurer la certitude au gouvernement Americain.’” Letter not found. ]...
27582From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 7 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I think it probable you will have learnt, through other channels, before this reaches you, my appointment as Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. In this capacity the debt due from us to France will of course constitute one of the objects of my attention. Except with regard to a few laws of immediate urgency, respecting commercial imposts, and navigation, the late session of...
27583To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 8 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, October 8, 1789. “I perceive that His Excellency the President of the United States has been pleased to appoint you Secretary of the Treasury I therefore presume that it is my duty to transmitt Quarterly returns to you, of the Official proceedings in the Loan-Office, of which I have the honor to be a Commissioner, in the same manner as I have hitherto done to the late Commissioners of...
27584To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 8 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Letter (Circular) of the 22d. ulto., and am to inform you that, from Cape Henry to the extreme branches of the Susquehanna, all inclusive, there is not, that I ever heard of, a single Light House, Buoy, Beacon or other artificial object for navigators to be governed by. Consequently there is no superintendant; no Expence. The pilots of the Chesapeak for this State are...
27585From Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Higginson, 9 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 9, 1789. On October 27, 1789, Higginson wrote to Hamilton : “Your Letter of the 9th instant I rec’d.” Letter not found. ] Higginson was a Boston merchant and Federalist.
27586To Alexander Hamilton from John Rice, 9 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Boston, October 9, 1789. On October 16, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Rice : “I am favored with yours of the 9th instant.” Letter not found. ]
27587From Alexander Hamilton to William Bingham, 10 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
There is a species of information highly requisite to the Government in adjusting the policy of its Treaties and Laws respecting Navigation for obtaining which with proper accuracy and detail no regular plan has ever yet been persued in this Country. It relates to the comparative advantages with which the Navigation of the United States and that of other Nations with whom they trade is or can...
27588From Alexander Hamilton to John Fitzgerald, 10 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, October 10, 1789. Asks Fitzgerald for information concerning foreign and domestic commerce. LS , United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut. The letter is a duplicate of that sent to William Bingham on the same date. Fitzgerald was an Irish-born Virginia planter who had been one of George Washington’s aides-de-camp.
27589To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Hiller, 10 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Salem, Massachusetts ] October 10, 1789 . “… there is neither Lighthouse, Beacon nor Buoy within this District of Salem & Beverly.…” Extract, RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “B,” New Hampshire and Massachusetts, National Archives. This letter is in reply to “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” October 1, 1789 . Hiller was collector of the customs for...
27590Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 10 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I observe that by the 24th. Section of the Act for Registering and Clearing vessels &c. it is provided, that Vessels bound to foreign parts should deliver manifests of their Cargoes to the Collectors of the Ports from which they are to sail. The object of this provision doubtless was to obtain a knowledge of the exports of the Country: to carry which into effect I am to desire that a regular...
27591To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 10 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, October 10, 1789. “In compliance with … your letter of the 1st inst. respecting Light Houses, Beacons &c I have to inform you that there is one Light House in this District at the entrance of the harbour of this Port situate on a point of land on the Island of New Castle placed without the walls of Fort William & Mary which commands the entrance.…” Copy, RG 56,...
27592To Alexander Hamilton from Elie Williams, 10 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed herewith you will receive the Contract executed by Mr. Elliot, whom I fortunately met here: and We request that you will be pleased to forward, to us, the duplicate which was executed in New York. You will also receive, duly executed by us and our securities, the bond for our performance of the contract; As we receive no equivalent to this obligation we must rely, Sir, upon your...
27593From Alexander Hamilton to Catharine Greene, 10 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, October 10, 1789. The manuscript dealer’s catalogue description states that Hamilton explained to an unidentified woman the requirements for obtaining a loan in the United States. Letter not found. ] LS , sold at Samuel Freeman and Company, December 8, 1952; ALS , sold by Dodd, Mead and Company, New York City, November, 1903, Catalogue 69, Item 62. Catharine Greene was the widow of...
27594To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 11 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Alexandria, Virginia, October 11, 1789. On November 3, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “I observe by your Letter of the 11th. of October.” Letter not found. ] Lee was collector of customs at Alexandria.
27595From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Peters, [11 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I duly received yours of the 16 of September; of which my hurry has prevented me an earlier acknowledgement. On the subject of your letter I can only say that the present arrangements of the Treasury department include nothing which meets the object; and that every thing future must depend on legislative provision. For the present I can only assure you of my favourable impression of Mr....
27596To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Whipple, 11 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, October 11, 1789. Encloses an account “of Rects & payts to the 3rd October instant & also for the week ending the 10th Inst.” Copy, RG 56, Letters from the Collector at Portsmouth, National Archives; LC , fragment, RG 36, Collector of Customs at Portsmouth, Letters Sent, 1789–1790, Vol. 1, National Archives.
27597To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 12 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 12, 1789. Discusses methods of maintaining “the Several Establishments” for aiding navigation “in the Bay and River Deleware.” Asks to be appointed superintendent of that district. ALS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters Received, Vol. “A,” Pennsylvania and Southern States, National Archives. For background to this document, see Sharp Delany to H, October 6, 1789 .
27598To Alexander Hamilton from William Allibone, 12 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, October 12, 1789. “Some of my Friends, on finding I had an Inclination to apply for the appointment of Superintendant of the light house, Beacons Buoys and publick Piers, have put Into my hands A Recommendation … addressed to the president, which I have … Enclosed to him.… I … am at A loss whether to attend at the seat of government in person or not and should consider it as A...
27599From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, [12 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
I thank you My Dear Sir for the line you was so obliging as to leave for me and for the loan of the book accompanying it; in which I have not yet made sufficient progress to judge of its merit. I dont know how it was but I took it for granted that you had left town much earlier than you did; else I should have found an opportunity after your adjournment to converse with you on the subjects...
27600Treasury Department Circular to the Continental Loan Officers, 12 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
As I am not certain in what light the Commissioners of the Loan Office in the several states may consider themselves with regard to their continuance in Office, under the old establishment, I think it necessary to apprise them, that the provision which has been made for their compensation does not extend beyond the 30th. June last; being the period to which warrants were issued by the late...